I was watching something on TV the other day. These guys were jumping motor cycles over ramps. They were amazing! One guy jumped his bike about 40 feet in the air, came off the seat, grabbed the back of the bike, laying himself out flat in a move that would make Superman proud, then pulled himself back onto the motorcycle seat all before successfully landing his bike on the ground! Another guy hit the ramp and made his bike do a complete 360 degree back flip! Not left to right, but wheel over wheel, before landing on the ramp on the other side. I saw a movie preview where I guy jumps his motorcycle over 5 grounded Huey Helicopters all with the blades rotating! You could call these guys exceptionally skilled or certifiably wacko – whatever you call them, once they hit that ramp they are fully committed!

There’s a group of people in our church who enjoy riding motorcycles. Pastor is one of them. Mike Napier as well. So is Pastor’s Assistant, Dianne Hackl. She and her husband take vacations with friends and see the country all from the back of a motorcycle. I can see Dianne revving up the engine, releasing the break and riding full bore toward the ramp, wind sweeping back her hair, giant grin from ear to ear. I can see the bike flying through the air, 40, 50, 60 feet while Dianne does aerobatics that would make Eval Kineval jealous! (She’s going to kill me for writing that! J) Ok…so maybe that’s not the way Dianne and her husband approach riding a motorcycle. I would venture a guess that very few, if anyone, in our church rides motorcycles like this. That’s the difference in a having a hobby and being fully committed.

When I hit the ramp on a motorcycle going 85mph about to jump over the ‘flaming blades of death’, I’m fully committed. When I take the bike out for a spin around LakeOolagah, I’ve got a hobby. That’s not to say hobbyists aren’t passionate, well educated people who are devoted to their hobby. I know a lot of people who collect motorcycle magazines, pictures, and who can tell you all the details of engineering difference between a Honda Gold Wing and a Harley Davidson…there are websites about such! But there is a distinct difference in commitment level between someone who has learned the skills, taken the lumps, and the risk of jumping a bike over a ramp and someone who is out for a Sunday drive.

The same thing happens at church. God has created us for a purpose. There’s the broad purpose of our salvation and becoming a child of God, but He’s also created us with a specific purpose in mind, a specific and unique way we can bring pleasure to Him and benefit His Kingdom. Too often we treat this calling as a hobby rather than the ministry it truly is. What do I mean?

A hobby is something we choose.

A ministry is something for which we are chosen.

For a hobby we set aside time and money for our own enjoyment.

For a ministry we sacrifice for the sake of others.

For a hobby we learn new skills and overcome new challenges in order to become better at our hobby.

For a ministry we learn new skills and overcome new challenges in order to benefit the Kingdom.

We may take several weeks off from doing anything that relates to our hobby in order to handle the affairs of life.

But the ministry we’ve been called to is unique and specific to us – and more importantly, it’s not so much about us as it is our obedience to God and service for others. While the schedule of activities and events that make up our ministry may slow down it’s not something we set aside in order to handle the affairs of life – ministry is our life.

With a hobby if I don’t show up I’m the only person it affects.

With a ministry if I don’t show up it affects eternity.

So my question for you today is, “How do you treat the ministry God has enabled you to do?” Do you recognize that your ministry is something you’ve been chosen for rather than something you chose? Do you treat the ministry less like a ministry and more like a hobby? Are you fully committed to the life God has for you or are you pursuing something other than His best?

This summer do what 2 Timothy 4:5 says, “But you be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.”

Whatever ministry God has called you to be fully committed. It’s not a hobby, it’s not a job, it’s not a chore…it’s a lifestyle, it’s a ministry…Rev up your engine, hit the ramp and be amazed at the jaw dropping wonder of knowing and following the purpose God has for you!

Tech Team you’ll work with the Drama team in the WorshipCenter. There will be no Praise Band or Praise Team rehearsal this evening.

freedomCONCERT w/ WAYNE WATSON

It’s coming! Sunday night, July 2nd – WAYNE WATSON in concert! We’ll celebrate our Independence with a great night of music by recording artist, WAYNE WATSON. Tickets are $5 and on sale now in theCompass Bookstore and ONLINE @ www.fbcowasso.org – get yours today!

SCHEDULE ODDITIES

Wednesday

June 14th – VBS Family night – NO REHEARSALS – Praise Band, Instrumental Ensemble and Praise Team we’ll meet at 8:00am on Sunday, June 18th to prepare for the services! Choir we’ll meet @ 8:30!

freedomCONCERT AM

Sunday AM, July 2nd be part of something special – join us as the Celebration Choir, Praise Band, Instrumental Ensemble, Praise Team present a Celebration of Freedom! More details to come!

Praise Team Auditions

Every one who auditioned for Praise Teams did a great job! Thanks for trying out! Be watching here in the weeks to come for details what Praise Teams this fall will look like!